10 Common Cat Allergy Reaction Symptoms
Let’s discuss cat allergy reaction symptoms you should know…
Do you suffer from cat allergies but can’t resist the cute furballs? You’re not alone – millions of people experience allergy symptoms when in contact with cats.
Sneezing, wheezing, and itchy eyes can make life miserable for cat lovers.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common symptoms of cat allergies and offer some tips for managing them, so you can still enjoy the company of your feline friends.
What Causes Human Cat Allergies?
Human cat allergies are typically caused by the proteins found in cat dander, saliva, and urine.
Specifically, a protein called Fel d 1, which is found in a cat’s skin, saliva, and urine, is often the culprit behind allergic reactions in humans who are sensitive to cats.
These proteins can trigger an immune response in a person’s body, leading to allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching.
It’s worth noting that some cats may produce less of this protein than others, so it’s possible for some people with cat allergies to be able to tolerate certain breeds of cats more easily than others.
Cat Allergy Reaction Symptoms
Here are some of the most common cat allergy reaction symptoms in humans:
1. Frequent sneezing
Cat allergy frequently manifests as sneezing, which happens when the nasal lining is irritated by the proteins contained in cat dander, saliva, or urine.
Sneezing results from the immune system’s release of histamines, which stimulates the production of more mucus in the nose.
This kind of sneezing frequently includes an itchy throat, runny or stuffy eyes, and a runny or watery nose.
2. Runny or stuffy nose
A runny or congested nose is another typical sign of cat allergies.
The same proteins that make you sneeze might also inflame your nasal passages, making your nose runny or congested.
Moreover, this condition may make it difficult to breathe via the nose.
After contact with cat allergens, this type of runny or stuffy nose may persist for several hours or even days.
3. Itchy or watery eyes
Cat allergens can make eyes scratchy or runny when they come into touch with the skin.
Due to the immune system’s perception that the allergens are dangerous, it produces histamines to combat them, which causes inflammation in the eyes.
Uncomfortable eye irritation or watering can make it difficult to read or drive or do other everyday tasks.
4. Hives
Hives are an allergic reaction that can happen when the immune system reacts to cat allergens by releasing histamine.
When exposed to an allergen like cat dander or saliva, raised, red, itching lumps called hives can develop on the skin.
Wherever on the body, they might be little or huge and occur.
Hives often go away on their own within a few hours, but if they are severe or chronic, they can be treated with antihistamines.
5. Skin rash
Atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by red, itchy, and irritated skin, can also be brought on by cat allergies.
This rash can appear anywhere on the body and is frequently brought on by coming into contact with a cat or breathing in cat allergens.
Topical corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs can be used to treat atopic dermatitis, which can be painful and interfere with everyday activities.
6. Wheezing
Wheezing, which is a whistling sound made during breathing, is a typical sign of cat allergies.
When the airways are congested and irritated, wheezing occurs because breathing is more difficult.
Wheezing as a cat allergy symptom is more common in those with asthma.
Chronic wheezing might make it difficult to sleep or exercise on a daily basis.
7. Coughing
Coughing is a frequent symptom of cat allergy and can be aggravated by cat allergens.
Other respiratory symptoms like wheezing or shortness of breath may occur along with coughing.
Coughing can be persistent and might make it difficult to converse or sleep or engage in other everyday tasks.
8. Difficulty breathing
Breathing problems, a potentially fatal sign of cat allergies, can occur in extreme circumstances.
This occurs when the immune system produces high levels of histamine, which causes airway inflammation and constriction.
Individuals who are having a lot of trouble breathing could need immediate medical care.
Other respiratory symptoms like wheezing or coughing may also be present in addition to difficulty breathing.
9. Swollen, itchy throat
A swelling and itchy throat is occasionally a symptom of cat allergies and may indicate a serious allergic reaction.
This can sometimes be life-threatening and make it difficult to breathe or swallow.
Get emergency medical help right away if you suffer any signs of a serious allergic response, such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or trouble breathing.
10. Slight Headache
Cat allergies are also frequently accompanied by headaches, which can be brought on by sinus pressure and congestion.
Inflammation and swelling of the sinuses brought on by the allergens in the cat’s saliva, fur, or urine can result in headaches and facial discomfort.
Diagnosis of Human Cat Allergies
To diagnose human cat allergies, a doctor will typically consider the patient’s medical history, and symptoms, and may perform a physical examination.
They may also perform allergy testing, which can include a skin prick test or a blood test, to confirm the presence of an allergy and determine the severity of the reaction.
Allergy testing typically involves exposing the patient to a small amount of cat allergen and measuring their immune system’s response.
In some cases, the doctor may also recommend avoiding exposure to cats or other allergens or using medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or allergy shots to manage the symptoms.
It’s important to discuss any concerns or symptoms with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
Treatment Options for Human Cat Allergies
There are several options available for treating human cat allergies, including:
- Avoidance: Try to reduce or avoid exposure to cats and their allergens by keeping cats out of your home, or confining them to certain areas. Use HEPA air filters and regularly clean your home to reduce allergen levels.
- Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), or cetirizine (Zyrtec) can help reduce common allergy symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.
- Nasal Steroids: Nasal steroid sprays like budesonide can help reduce inflammation and alleviate allergy symptoms.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, involve exposing the body to gradually increasing doses of the allergen over time, and has been shown to be effective in reducing allergic reactions in many people over time.
It’s a good idea to consult with a doctor or allergist before starting any treatment to determine the best course of action for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common symptoms of a cat allergy reaction?
Some common symptoms of a cat allergy reaction include sneezing, coughing, wheezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and skin rash or hives.
How soon after exposure to cats do allergy symptoms typically occur?
Allergy symptoms can occur immediately or within a few hours of exposure to cats, depending on the severity of the allergy.
Are cat allergy reactions more common in people with other allergies?
Yes, people with other allergies, such as hay fever or asthma, are more likely to develop a cat allergy.
Can cat allergy reactions be prevented?
Cat allergy reactions can be prevented by avoiding exposure to cats or using allergy medication, such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or allergy shots.
Are some cat breeds less likely to cause allergies than others?
While there is no breed of cat that is completely hypoallergenic, some breeds, such as the Siberian or Balinese, produce less of the allergen protein Fel d 1 and may be more tolerable for people with cat allergies.
How can I tell if my symptoms are caused by a cat allergy or something else?
To determine if your symptoms are caused by a cat allergy, you can undergo allergy testing, either through a skin prick test or a blood test.
A doctor can also help diagnose your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Read more about humans getting worms from cats.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes after being around cats, it’s possible that you have a cat allergy.
While it can be difficult to avoid cats altogether, there are treatments available to help manage your symptoms.
From over-the-counter antihistamines to allergy shots, there are options to help you live a more comfortable life around our feline friends.
Don’t let cat allergies hold you back from enjoying life – talk to your doctor about finding the right treatment for you.
